Buying a new roof and getting your money's worth

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is pleased to provide you with this information as part of our
ongoing effort to educate home and building owners about roofing and roofing contractors.

We hope this information will make you a more knowledgeable consumer and, when the time comes, a smart roof system
buyer.

A new roof system is a big investment. We want to help you get a quality roof system at a fair price from a
professional roofing contractor.

All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components

Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.

Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.

Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.

Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent
water seepage.

Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed
water.

Choosing a roof system

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the
list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one
that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope
structures.

Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with
organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer,
fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.Organic shingles

consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral
granules.

Fiberglass shingles

consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.

Asphalt shingles' fire resistances, like most other roofing materials, are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class
A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B and C denote less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles
have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings.

A shingle's reinforcement has little effect on its appearance. Organic and fiberglass products are available in
laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be
applied to organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in warm, humid parts of the
United States. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.

Regardless of their reinforcing type and appearance, asphalt shingles' physical characteristics vary significantly.
When installing asphalt shingles, NRCA recommends use of shingles that comply with American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) standards-ASTM D 225 for organic shingles and ASTM D 3462 for fiberglass shingles. These standards
govern the composition and physical properties of asphalt shingles; not all asphalt shingles on the market comply with
these standards. If a shingle product complies with one of these standards, it is typically noted in the manufacturer's
product literature and on the package wrapper.

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods; their natural look is
popular in California, the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are machinesawn; shakes are handmade and
rougher looking. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of
concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all.
However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that incorporate a factory-applied,
fire-resistant treatment.

Tile—clay or concrete—is a durable roofing material. Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles
are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks.
Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system
with tile, you will need to verify that the structure can support the load.

Slate is quarried in the United States in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is available in
different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more
expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires special skill and experience. Many old
homes, especially in the Northeast, still are protected by this long-lasting roofing material.

Metal, primarily thought of as a low-slope roofing material, has been found to be a roofing alternative for home
and building owners with steep-slope roofs. There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles.
Numerous metal panel shapes and configurations exist. Metal shingles typically are intended to simulate traditional
roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Apart from metal roofing's longevity, metal shingles are
relatively lightweight, have a greater resistance to adverse weather and can be aesthetically pleasing. Some have Class
A fire ratings.

Synthetic roofing products simulate various traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and
shakes. However, they do not necessarily have the same properties.

Before making a buying decision, NRCA recommends that you look at full-size samples of a proposed product, as well as
manufacturers' brochures. It also is a good idea to visit a building that is roofed with a particular product.

Ventilation and insulation are key

One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build
up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its
effectiveness.

Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit
vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase
roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.

In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:

A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss

A vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic

Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.

A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.

The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on the part of the United States in
which a home or building is located, as well as the structure's conditions, such as exposure to the sun, shade and
atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general ventilation formula is based on the length and width of the attic. NRCA
recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed
proportionately at the eaves (e.g., soffits) and at or near the ridge.

Even roofs have enemies

A roof system's performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed
roof system buying decisions:

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur
faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the
roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house,
including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris
underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an
ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing
materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to
fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in
a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure.
Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate
problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more
moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood
deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides
creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should
be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to
ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches
are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other
roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters
block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system's effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles
are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot.
The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles
should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing
effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural
rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as
possible.

Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight
flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and
cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a
biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

Choosing a contractor

Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend time learning how to evaluate
roofing contractors. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. NRCA wants to assist you in
getting the kind of results you expect—a quality roof system at a fair price. All roofing contractors are not
alike, and NRCA recommends that you prequalify roofing contractors to get the job done right the first time. The
following guidelines will help you select a professional:

Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number and, where applicable, a
business license.

Don't hesitate to ask a roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his
liability coverage and
workers' compensation certificates. (U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state's laws
to determine workers' compensation insurance requirements.) Make sure the coverages are in effect through the
duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing
contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your
property.

Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Some states have specific licensing
requirements, and others do not. Your state's Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have
this information.

Make sure the contractor is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can provide current financial
information about his company.

Look for a company with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects.
Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.

Insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications,
including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.

Have the contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm is a licensed or approved applicator.
Most roof systems require special application expertise to achieve lasting quality.

Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the
person who will be in charge of your project, how many workers will be required and estimated completion time.

Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA.
Being a member of industry associations demonstrates a commitment to professionalism.

Call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible
complaints filed against the contractor.

Carefully read and understand any roofing warranties offered, and watch for provisions that would void it.

Choose a company committed to worker safety and education. Ask the contractor what type of safety training he
provides for his workers and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is
only as good as the workers who install the roof system.

Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many
fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform
substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor.
Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.

Commonly asked questions

Q: How can a home owner recognize when a roof system has problems?

A: All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic
(twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated
flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system
problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof
areas.

Q: What are my options if I decide to reroof?

A: You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of
your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system.
If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing
contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete
replacement is necessary.

Q: My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

A: Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being
damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or
choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

Q: Can I do the work myself?

A: Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently
repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely
injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.

Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and
spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you
must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear
rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible.

Q: How long can I expect my roof system to last?

A: Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such
as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.

Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental
conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate
roof maintenance.

Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to
see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their
expected lives.

Q: What will a new roof system cost?

A: The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor
doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good
idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind
that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.

For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices. There also are a variety of styles and
shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs.

Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Insist on a contractor who is
committed to quality work.

Q: How can I determine my annual roofing cost?

A: When considering your roofing options, the following formula may help:

Deck/sheathing: The surface, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to which roofing materials are
applied.

Dormer: A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.

Drip edge: An L-shaped strip (usually metal) installed along roof edges to allow water run off to drip clear of
the deck, eaves and siding.

Eave: The horizontal lower edge of a sloped roof.

Fascia: A flat board, band or face located at a cornice's outer edge.

Felt/underlayment: A sheet of asphalt-saturated material (often called tar paper) used as a secondary layer of
protection for the roof deck.

Fire rating: System for classifying the fire resistances of various materials. Roofing materials are rated Class
A, B or C, with Class A materials having the highest resistance to fire originating outside the structure.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof
system, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys and joints at vertical walls.

Louvers: Slatted devices installed in a gable or soffit (the underside of eaves) to ventilate the space below a
roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.

Oriented strand board (OSB): Roof deck panels (4 by 8 feet) made of narrow bits of wood, installed lengthwise
and crosswise in layers, and held together with a resin glue. OSB often is used as a substitute for plywood
sheets.

Roofing Qualification Statement as suggested by NRCA is a form home and building owners should ask
prospective roofing contractors to complete and submit with proposals. The form asks for information about contractors'
companies, work in progress, references, finances and insurance.

For a free NRCA catalog of publications and audiovisual programs or to purchase any of these publications, visit
NRCA's Bookstore or contact NRCA's customer service department at (866)
ASK-NRCA (275-6722) or email at info@nrca.net.